Last Updated:January 30, 2026, 08:41 IST

Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease share several risks, like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and chronic stress.

Erectile dysfunction is seen as a red flag that warrants a broader medical evaluation. (IMAGE: REPRESENTATIVE)

Men often seek out help for erectile difficulties, believing it is purely a sexual or performance-related concern. However, erectile health is closely linked to overall vascular and metabolic health and can serve as an early indicator of underlying heart disease. In many cases, erectile dysfunction (ED) appears years before a patient develops noticeable cardiac symptoms, making it an important clinical warning sign.

We speak to Dr Ajit Gujela, Consultant Urologist, KIMS Hospitals, Thane, to understand the connection between heart health and erectile dysfunction among men, and how can one spot this link.

The Vascular Connection

An erection is primarily a blood-flow-dependent process. Healthy erectile function requires an adequate blood supply through the penile arteries, which are much smaller than the coronary arteries. Because of their size, these vessels are often the first to show the effects of vascular damage caused by atherosclerosis. Even mild narrowing or stiffness of blood vessels can impair erections.

Clinically, it is not uncommon for men with no known heart condition to present with ED three to five years before being diagnosed with coronary artery disease, hypertension, or diabetes.

Shared Risk Factors

Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease share several common risk factors, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress. These factors damage the endothelium—the inner lining of blood vessels—reducing their ability to dilate and allow adequate blood flow. When endothelial function is compromised, both penile circulation and heart circulation are affected, directly linking sexual health to cardiovascular risk.

ED as a Medical Red Flag

Many men delay seeking treatment, assuming erectile problems are a normal part of ageing or stress. However, in men, especially in younger or middle-aged men, ED is seen as a red flag that warrants a broader medical evaluation. Beyond sexual health assessment, urologists will often recommend screening for blood pressure, blood sugar levels, lipid profiles, and lifestyle-related risk factors. Early identification allows timely referral to a cardiologist or physician, potentially preventing serious cardiac events.

Lifestyle Changes and Treatment

The encouraging news is that improving cardiovascular health often leads to better erectile function. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, weight management, smoking cessation, and stress reduction are foundational interventions for both conditions. Medical therapies for ED can be effective, but long-term success depends on addressing the underlying vascular and metabolic causes rather than treating symptoms alone.

Importantly, studies have shown that lifestyle-based cardiovascular risk reduction significantly improves erectile function, with patients demonstrating higher International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores compared to those receiving usual care alone. This highlights that lifestyle modification is not just preventive for heart disease but also therapeutically beneficial for erectile health.

A Holistic Approach to Men’s Health

Erectile health should be considered an essential component of routine men’s health screening, not a taboo subject. When men discuss sexual symptoms openly, it enables urologists to identify hidden cardiovascular risks early. In many cases, ED is the body’s first warning signal—one that offers a critical opportunity for preventive care.

Protecting erectile health, therefore, is not just about sexual well-being; it is a crucial step toward safeguarding heart health and overall longevity.